Maple butter is a velvety, sweet, lightly spiced whipped spread made from real maple syrup, cinnamon, and soft butter. It comes together in minutes and transforms any breakfast or baked treat into something warm, cozy, and irresistible.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Maple butter is the perfect example of how a few simple ingredients can create something truly special. You’ll love it because it’s incredibly quick to prepare, requiring less than 10 minutes from start to finish, and it adds instant fall flavor to anything you pair it with. The combination of creamy butter, real maple syrup, cinnamon, and a touch of salt creates a balanced sweetness with warm, comforting notes. It’s versatile, store-friendly, and ideal for spreading on pancakes, waffles, muffins, bread, and more.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
• 1/2 cup (113 g) unsalted butter, softened
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 3/4 cup (180 ml) maple syrup
Directions
Place the softened butter into the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with a whisk attachment or use a hand mixer. Mix on low until the butter is smoothed across the bottom of the bowl.
Increase speed to high and beat for 1–2 minutes, or until the butter becomes light, creamy, and fluffy.
Add the salt and ground cinnamon. Mix on low for about 30 seconds, scraping down the sides and bottom of the bowl to fully incorporate the spices.
With the mixer on low, slowly stream in the maple syrup. Once fully combined, increase speed to medium and mix for 30 seconds.
Taste and adjust sweetness or saltiness if desired.
Transfer the maple butter to a serving dish and drizzle with a bit of extra maple syrup if you like.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes approximately 1 cup of maple butter, enough for 8–10 servings depending on use.
Prep time: 5 minutes
Total time: 5 minutes
Variations
• Cinnamon-Free Maple Butter: Omit the cinnamon for a pure maple flavor.
• Spice Blend: Replace cinnamon with pumpkin spice or apple pie spice for deeper fall notes.
• Salted Butter Version: Use salted butter and omit the added salt.
• Plant-Based Option: Use a dairy-free butter alternative to make it vegan-friendly.
• Dark Maple Boost: Choose a dark or amber maple syrup for a more robust flavor.
Storage/Reheating
Maple butter stores well in an airtight container.
• Refrigerate for up to 1 week.
• Freeze for up to 1 month.
To use after freezing, thaw in the refrigerator overnight, allow it to come to room temperature, and re-whip briefly for the best texture.
FAQs
What is maple butter made of?
Maple butter is made by whipping softened butter with maple syrup, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt until creamy and fluffy.
Does maple butter taste very sweet?
It has a balanced sweetness from the maple syrup, complemented by warm spice and a hint of salt.
Can I use pancake syrup instead of real maple syrup?
No, pancake syrup will not produce the same flavor or consistency. Real maple syrup is essential for this recipe.
Can I make maple butter without a mixer?
Yes, you can whip it by hand, though it will take longer and may not be quite as fluffy.
How do I prevent the maple syrup from separating?
Make sure your butter is at room temperature and stream the syrup in slowly while mixing on low.
Can I add other flavors?
Yes, vanilla extract, nutmeg, or pumpkin spice work beautifully.
Can I use salted butter?
Yes—simply omit the added salt.
How should I serve maple butter?
It’s delicious on pancakes, waffles, muffins, toast, cornbread, or warm rolls.
Can maple butter be frozen?
Yes, it freezes well for up to one month.
Why is my maple butter too runny?
Your butter may have been too soft or melted. Chill it briefly, then re-whip to restore the texture.
Conclusion
Maple butter is a simple yet luxurious spread that enhances both everyday breakfasts and special seasonal treats. With only a handful of ingredients and a few minutes of preparation, you’ll have a rich, fluffy, maple-infused butter ready to elevate anything it touches. Whether you’re topping pancakes, warming muffins, or spreading it onto freshly baked bread, this homemade maple butter brings comforting fall flavor to every bite.
Maple butter is a rich, creamy spread made with real maple syrup, butter, cinnamon, and a hint of salt. It whips up in minutes and adds a cozy, sweet touch to breakfast favorites and baked goods.
Author:Sophia
Prep Time:5 minutes
Cook Time:0 minutes
Total Time:5 minutes
Yield:1 cup (8–10 servings)
Category:Condiment
Method:Whipped
Cuisine:American
Diet:Vegetarian
Ingredients
1/2 cup (113 g) unsalted butter, softened
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
3/4 cup (180 ml) maple syrup
Instructions
Place softened butter into a mixing bowl. Using a stand mixer with whisk attachment or a hand mixer, mix on low until smooth.
Increase speed to high and beat for 1–2 minutes until light and fluffy.
Add salt and cinnamon. Mix on low for 30 seconds, scraping down the sides as needed.
With mixer on low, slowly stream in the maple syrup until fully combined.
Increase speed to medium and beat for 30 more seconds.
Taste and adjust sweetness or saltiness as needed.
Transfer to a serving dish. Optionally drizzle with extra maple syrup before serving.
Notes
Use room temperature butter for best texture and to avoid separation.
Substitute cinnamon with pumpkin spice or apple pie spice for seasonal variations.
Use dark maple syrup for a deeper, more robust flavor.
Store in the fridge and bring to room temperature before serving for spreadability.
Use salted butter if preferred, and omit the additional salt.